As a hospice social worker more than 20 years, I’ve walked the road to the end of life with many patients and families. During that time, I’ve seen hospice be the road that leads to comfort and peace when the fight for a cure is no more. 

While many people would see that as “giving up,” those I’ve cared for often share it’s more that “enough is enough.” So, what does this road look like? We know that hospice is care for those facing a life limiting terminal illness, but what can hospice offer that can’t be found in any other area of health care?

Hope

Hospice care provides hope, not for a cure, but for a better day. From the patient’s perspective, it’s the hope that my pain is better managed so I can go see my son play in his last game. It’s the hope that my nausea is at bay so I might be able to go out to eat with my husband one more time. It’s the hope that I might be able to enjoy one more sunset. 

Opportunity

Hospice care offers the opportunity to spend as much time with family as possible – of living life next to them at home instead of in the hospital or going back and forth to multiple doctor visits. Hospice gives the opportunity to say that final goodbyes on the patient’s terms.

Support

Hospice care brings support. The hospice team of doctors, nurse practitioners, nurses, social workers, chaplains, nursing assistants, pharmacists, bereavement specialists and volunteers are available to meet the end-of-life care needs of each patient. 

Peace

Hospice care provides peace. Often my prayer for patients in their final moments on this earth is to “Be at Peace.” Through emotional, social and spiritual support provided by the hospice team, patients and families are given the opportunity to discuss their goals of care for peace at end of life. 

Individualized

Hospice care is individualized. We know each patient is different, each illness affects patients in different ways, and each family has different needs. Hospice strives to meet each patient and family where they are. The team continuously checks in with patients and families about their needs and desires during the hospice journey.

Comfort

Hospice care provides comfort. The No. 1 goal of hospice care is providing all levels of comfort – physical, emotional, spiritual and social support. 

Engaging

Hospice care is engaging, providing care for the entire family as well as the patient. We know a terminal illness affects not only the person who has the illness but also those caring for them. Often hospice care means having a cup of coffee on the porch with caregivers, listening, just listening, to their needs, tears and fears. 

So, if you’re facing the road of end of life and the doctor says, “there’s nothing we can do,” or you find yourself saying “I’m tired, I’ve had enough,” know hospice is there for you. It’s a road we’ll gladly walk with you, holding your hand, and meeting your needs one day at a time.